"Some children are average in class but good in sports"

A TOTAL of 25 primary and high schools from Imbali circuit gathered at the Imbali Unit 1 sports field last Thursday and Friday to take part in the Imbali Ward Athletics Championships.

The pupils competed in soccer, netball, chess, cricket, high jump and indigenous games.

The championships take place annually and pupils who come first and second get to compete at circuit level, which includes schools from Edendale and Umgungundlovu.

Imbali ward athletics convener Themba Ndlovu said the championships are held to develop pupils’ potential through sport.

Ndlovu said they use these championships to avoid social ills, to ensure that pupils do not get involved in drugs and other things that could disrupt their future.

He said there are pupils who are average in the classroom but excel in sports, and this is a way they try to cultivate their talent.

Ndlovu said from circuit level the pupils move to district level, and if they succeed then they move to compete in provincial level, and then winners will compete nationally where they will represent their provinces.  

Chairperson of the Imbali Schools Sport Council Manqoba Ndlovu, said over the years the event has faced many challenges including that of inadequate sponsorship.